horrific

adjective

hor·​rif·​ic hȯ-ˈri-fik 

hä-

: having the power to horrify

a horrific account of the tragedy

horrifically

hȯ-ˈri-fi-k(ə-)lē 

hä-

adverb

Synonyms of horrific

• gruesome
• shocking
• horrible
• terrible
• nightmare
• horrifying
• frightening

Examples of horrific in a Sentence

horrific images of the devastation spurred many people to give generously

Recent Examples on the Web

Once the beagles are sold to laboratories and research centers, the majority, if not all, live in inhumane conditions where they are forced to undergo horrific and painful testing. —Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 8 May 2026

There are plenty of sad stories associated with the horrific fiery crash. —Paul Eisenberg, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026

Critically, Michael doesn’t recoil when Jackie shares her horrific story. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 May 2026

And Russia has struggled to replenish its military ranks amid horrific casualties on the Ukrainian front line. —Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French & Latin; French horrifique, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Latin horrificus "inspiring awe or dread, frightening," from horrēre "to be stiffly erect, bristle, shudder, shiver" + -i- -i- + -ficus -fic — more at horror entry 1

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for horrific

• pacific
• prolific
• salvific
• specific
• terrific
• calorific
• conspecific
• hieroglyphic
• honorific
• nonspecific
• scientific
• soporific